The Northern Kentucky Norse (8-3) will travel to Michael B. Fleming Gymnasium to go head-to-head against the UNCG Spartans (9-3). The game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, December 21, 2019.
Northern Kentucky Norse vs. UNCG Spartans ATS Odds
Both teams were triumphant in their last game. The Spartans barely escaped the Vermont Catamounts 54-53, while the Norse were victorious over the Illinois State Redbirds 79-64.
Northern Kentucky played a nearly perfect game. They had a free throw rate of 0.226 (above their season average of 0.207) and a turnover percentage of 17.6 (better than their season average of 18.7). For those same stats, Illinois State put up marks of 0.053 and 21.0, respectively. The Spartans, on the other hand, had a turnover percentage of 12.4 (better than their season average of 14.3) and had a better offensive rebounding percentage (31.4 vs. 30.0). UNCG rallied around Isaiah Miller, who contributed 11 points and seven rebounds. Meanwhile, Tyler Sharpe led the way for Northern Kentucky, finishing with 30 points.
Baskets could be hard to come by in this matchup between a pair of the NCAA’s premier defenses. UNCG currently ranks 16th in defensive efficiency (85.7) and Northern Kentucky is 47th (89.1). Ball security could be troublesome for the Norse. They rank 281st at avoiding errors (turnover percentage of 21.1 percent), while the Spartans force the 11th-most turnovers in the NCAA (opponents’ turnover percentage of 26.4 percent).
Northern Kentucky Norse vs. UNCG Spartans Betting Pick
Prediction: SU Winner – UNCG, ATS Winner – UNCG, O/U – Over
Betting Notes:
- UNCG ranks 30th in blocks per game (5.0) while Northern Kentucky ranks 143rd (2.4).
- The Spartans average 27.6 three pointers per game, which ranks 24th in the NCAA. The Norse rank 71st in three pointers allowed per game (20.3).
- UNCG averages 37.4 rebounds per game, which ranks 97th in the country. Northern Kentucky ranks 140th in rebounds allowed per game (35.4).
- The Norse rank 41st in assists per game (15.5) while the Spartans rank 129th (13.1).
- UNCG ranks 48th in steals per game (8.0) while Northern Kentucky ranks 110th in steals allowed per game (6.7).
Bettings Trends:
- During their last five games, the Norse have scored an average of 75.4 points per game (1.3 below their season average) and allowed an average of 59.4 points per game (5.7 below their season average).
- The Spartans’ average margin of victory in their last five games has been 4.4, down from 13.3 for the season.
